Pafos Live 22 January 2026
The utilization of desalination, reclaimed water and storage projects aims to support and resilient the primary sector, especially under the conditions of climate change, says a statement from the Water Development Department (WDD) in response to reports on the management of the water resources of the Republic of Cyprus.
At the level of hydrological data, the Department reports that the hydrological year 2024-2025 records rainfall at about 65% of the average annual value – one of the eight driest years since 1902, adding that the reduced inflows into dams and the significant burden on surface and groundwater bodies are objective constraints that no policy can completely eliminate.
It is added that based on current data, 2026 is predicted to be a year of high water risk, with limited starting reserves and increased pressure on the water supply system, if no substantial inputs are recorded, with the WDD design being implemented based on the Drought Management Plan.
It is added that the national planning for the management of water resources is based on three interrelated and complementary pillars:
- The enhancement of the water balance through the utilization of unconventional water sources (desalination, reclaimed water).
- The implementation and upgrading of storage projects, as well as the improvement of infrastructure and networks.
- Demand management, with the aim of saving water by at least 10% in 2026, improving irrigation practices and reducing losses.
"The effective and combined operation of all three pillars is a basic condition for the adequacy and rational management of water resources. Addressing the challenges in order to be effective, must be collective," the statement concludes.
